The Fat Badger Restaurant London Review: Notting Hill’s Secretive Pub Dining

July 16, 2025

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Review: Notting Hill’s Secretive Pub Dining

The Fat Badger restaurant in London began as an exclusive, invite‑only hideaway before swinging open its doors to the public— and what a transformation it is. From first glance, down the discreet side‑street entrance and up those stairs, you’re transported into a world of candle‑lit Tudor‑style panelling and plush pub charm, yet with all the polish of a private members’ lounge.

Launched earlier this year by the team behind The Hero and The Pelican, The Fat Badger thrived on VIP mystery before generously welcoming everyone in. Grace Dent of The Guardian notes that although it was once celebrity‑fueled, the food—helmed by ex‑River Cafe chef George Williams and Ballymaloe alum Beth O’Brien—is “really very good” and deserves acclaim beyond its hype.

The pub is an elegant relic: oak‑lined walls, oil‑lamp lighting, comfy armchairs, and an open fireplace behind the bar. It maintains just the right dash of secretive speakeasy energy—a darts board and a hint of live music add a charmingly casual edge. The upstairs dining room is cosy yet stately, offering a candle‑lit, wood‑panelled stage for the evening’s set menu.

Though no longer invite‑only, The Fat Badger still feels like a treasured secret. The Set-Menu is available for £85 a head (Tuesday–Saturday) or £60 at Sunday lunch. Her, a no-choice four‑course experience unfolds, tailored to preferences and allergies. And yes, Margot Robbie and Jamie Dornan have dropped by, but the service remains genuine and relaxed.

The Fat Badger is a delightful paradox: glam enough for an indulgent night out, yet rooted in comfort. It delivers pub warmth and no‑choice fine dining under one roof—accessible, unpretentious, yet deeply satisfying.

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Menu

Dishes here are “hearty” and “produce‑led”. Expect starters like rich nettle soup, velvety and green, accompanied by crisp Irish soda bread and sea‑salted butter. The lobster tempura comes in delicate celeriac tacos; followed by trout belly on charred toast, smoky and intriguing, plus a trout pâté with olives.

The mains include seared scallop in lobster gravy with garden‑fresh peas and pork jowl, followed by a centre‑cut beef fillet with hasselback potatoes, morels, and silky béarnaise. A refreshing strawberry‑basil sorbet surprisingly works for dessert, and a decadent duo of sticky doughnut with apple‑crumble ice cream finish off the meal.

These dishes are delivered with confidence—big flavours, heart, and no overthinking.

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for The Fat Badger below.

The Fat Badger Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: British 

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Notting Hill

Address: 310 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA

Website: https://thefatbadgerw10.com/

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